Dr. Sheldon Yessenow opened the doors of Oronoque Animal Hospital with a simple but powerful mission: to provide exceptional veterinary care with compassion, integrity, and heart. This mission is one he’s worked tirelessly to achieve for nearly 49 years, since graduating from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
He has been a trusted veterinarian, mentor and teacher to countless veterinarians and veterinary technicians who trained under his guidance throughout his career. His dedication to service extended well beyond the walls of our hospital. Dr. Yessenow’s service to others also included his time as a volunteer EMT for the town of Trumbull. His interest in disaster medicine was sparked after September 11, 2001, when he responded to assist the search and rescue dogs at the World Trade Center in New York City.
In 2005, he deployed to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina as a member of the Veterinary Medical Assistance Team. There he served as Hospital Director for the temporary shelter at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, providing leadership, expertise, and compassion during an incredibly challenging time.
Further demonstrating his commitment to emergency preparedness and animal welfare, Dr. Yessenow accepted the position of Team Leader for the Connecticut State Animal ResponseTeam (CTSTART) program’s Region 1 Animal Response Team. In his capacity, he was appointed Regional Emergency Support Function 11 Committee Chairman for the Region 1 Emergency Planning Team (REPT). The Region 1 REPT serves as a coordinating body for the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, ensuring organized and effective response efforts during emergencies affecting both animals and the community.
Oronoque Animal Hospital simply would not exist without Dr. Yessenow’s vision, leadership, and lifelong commitment. The Veterinary field itself is better because of his many contributions.
Dr. Yessenow–lovingly known as “Doc” to so many, has decided to step into a well-earned retirement; we, the doctors and staff of Oronoque Animal Hospital, celebrate not only the extraordinary veterinarian he has been, but also the wonderful husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather he is today. His compassion, work ethic, and dedication have left an indelible mark on Oronoque Animal Hospital, and on everyone who has had the privilege to work alongside him.
From all of us at Oronoque Animal Hospital, past and present, thank you, Doc, for the decades of care, mentorship, and love you poured into this veterinary practice. Your legacy will live on through the hospital you built and the lives you touched along the way.
